Skiing after almost 20 years !

I thought I would share my weekend adventure to give you a good laugh :) After nearly 20 years my family convinced me I had to go downhill skiing . My hubby taught our daughter to ski last year, and our son learned the year before. My hubby and I used to ski once in awhile before we had the kids.

As we approached the hill I got really nervous. Gosh, at 43 I knew it would be a lot more painful if I fell than when I was in my 20's ! However, I strapped on my skis and decided to be brave. I also decided to skip the "bunny" hill and go straight to the top of the big hill. As we neared the top, I was anxious about getting off the chair lift without falling. By some miracle I didn't embarrass myself LOL.

It is always a little frightening looking down the hill for the first time. The snow was a little sticky because it was warm , and it even rained a bit later in the evening. I started out o.k. and thought I was doing quite well after awhile. I even felt like I was going rather fast .......until we got home and I watched the videos my daughter took.

I laughed and laughed at how pathetically slow I was, but hey, I was still proud that I went and had fun. You can have a good laugh too if you watch me on this video. Oh......just ignore my screams LOL.


It was the first time I had skied at night, and It was really quite peaceful . The view from the top down the 600 ft drop as darkness fell was beautiful.

My neck and back are a little sore today from smacking my head on the ground , but it was worth it !

More surprises in the mail !

Wow, I am so blessed ! I received another wonderful surprise in the mail this week from a dear friend and collector. It was a special valentine that decided to take a few extra days to arrive, but I love it regardless . I adore the handmade card, of course I love the candy LOL, and the crystal heart necklace is so pretty.

I had heard about these teddy bear sugar cubes and pasta so I even received a little sample of those LOL. It's so funny what teddy bear shapes are created .

So again, it has been a fun mail week. A huge thanks to "H" for making me smile with this sweet surprise !

Introducing Snowflake, a mink cub

Publish Post

Snowflake is 6.75" tall , and made from gorgeous recycled mink paw fur. He is one of the few bears I have made in a solid light shade, and the first in this creamy blond color. He is being offered on my website by silent auction. You can read all about that HERE.

EDITED : FEb 20- Snowflake has been adopted

A peek at my latest bear

Here is a little sneak peek at the bear I finished today. I hope to have him available later tomorrow .... somewhere ! I may try the "Best Offer" method again to allow everyone a chance at him. I'm not sure yet.


My camera batteries are charging so I 'll have to finish the photo shoot tomorrow if the weather co-operates. I think we are supposed to have snow then rain .

Sweet treats from Russia

I have the best collectors, I really do ! They are so kind, and thoughtful and truly make my job so enjoyable. I love the emails, cards, phonecalls and just knowing that my bears have brought these people into my life is such a humbling feeling.

I have been having a very difficult week , but today I received a wonderful package from Russia. I was told something was on the way, but for some reason it has taken 6 weeks to get here. But, the timing couldn't have been more perfect ( God is so good that way LOL) . Wow, I was like a little child when I opened this lovely box of Russian treats , photos and little wooden stacking bears. This has truly has warmed my heart , and added a little sunshine to my day. Thank you "T" , you know who you are :)


I really don't know what I've done to deserve my customers, but I feel so blessed and thankful for each one.

That's Amore

Please meet Amore the 7" recycled mink cub I was working on this week. He is available on my website for immediate adoption.

UPDATE: Amore is now SOLD

Noses and Toes

Here is a little sneak peek at a new mink cub who will hopefully be completed this week . His body is complete, but he needs a head. I was a bit delayed on this as I ran out of noses. I took some time last night to make up a whole batch from apoxy sculpt. I had to mix in black paint so it was little messy LOL. I love apoxy sculpt though; it is so durable and rock solid ! The noses hardened over night, and now I have lots of sizes to choose from to ensure a good fit for each bear.

A Rite of Passage

Today is a very special day in the Den ! My son passed his driving test today so is now a fully licensed driver at the age of 16 ! Wow, that seems so young as a parent, but I remember how old it seemed when I was his age LOL.

He is just beaming and soaking up all the freedom that comes with this Right of Passage. As a mom , I can honestly say that this is one of the scariest moments I can remember. Watching him pull out of the driveway behind the wheel of our car , with his friend, for the first time today brought feelings of both pure joy and pure fear LOL. I can't be there to protect him, but I trust his driving ability after spending many hours practicing with him over the past 4 months. Thank goodness for cell phones too !

It's just that need for speed that all boys have , and the car full of kids that can make any mom worry. Maybe he'll get all that speed out on his dirtbike at the motocross tracks instead . Here's hoping !